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Grafton Public Library Trustees Meeting Minutes

August 21, 2014

Attending: Bob Donald, Lucia Corwin, Dylan Bate, Christopher Schemm, Michelle Dufort, Deborah Toomey

Bob Donald called the meeting to order at 6:35 p.m. There was no public comment and the minutes of July 17, 2014 were approved.

Librarian’s Report

Michelle sent a full report to board members that is attached to the minutes. The only additional information concerned the donation to the library by the Hayes family in memory of Mr. & Mrs. Truman Hayes. They have offered to provide $1,000 to be used for the e-book program. The books purchased through this advantage program would belong to the library and waiting lists for titles would be for Grafton residents only. The board unanimously approved acceptance of the funds and expressed gratitude to the Hayes family for their generosity. In addition, a notice from Schwab regarding a $400 donation was also received and will also be used for e-books. Michelle will complete the required paperwork to obtain this additional funding.

The library reading room has changed location and what used to be the reading room several years ago is now office space. The board approved moving the Hayes plaque to the new reading room area. This move was requested by the Hayes family. The plaque will be rehung above the book display.

The Grafton Library has a Facebook page. Michelle felt that it will reach many Grafton residents as well as interested non-residents. Special thanks go to Tennessee Watkins and her friend for resolving the issues with the library’s website. All internal links are now working and meeting notifications and the like can be easily posted.

Budget

While the budget is fairly well established, the vote by the board on its final iteration will be postponed until after the book sale. By then Bob will have had a chance to talk to town officials about building insurance costs.

Building and Grounds

The library porch has been power washed and painted as has the ramp with “flood” paint. Ray Lisai did this and chinked the stone steps to eliminate the wobble in them. He indicated that he will return in the spring to paint all surfaces again with the necessary second coat of paint.

Bob has contacted Jaime Gregory about the sinkhole in the library lawn, but has not heard back from him yet. The community Christmas tree on the lawn will be replaced with a balsam which will be resistant to the fungus that has attacked the current tree.

The florescent light at the entrance to the DVDs and non-fiction area needs to have its light bulbs replaced. David Whittall volunteered to do so.

Book Sale

Tasks in preparation for the upcoming fundraiser were discussed and apportioned. Bob and Dylan will set up the tables on Thursday August 28. Michelle will place leveling wood under the tables at the time of setup. If rain is forecast for the weekend, the school has been contacted and the library may use their space for the book sale. Everyone expressed good wishes for fine weather since sales may be impacted if the books are not in view on the library lawn.

On Friday, Deborah and Lucia will help set out the books with other volunteers. Lucia will work the cash table from 8 to 11 a.m. and Deborah will 8 to 12. David Whittall has 3 9X12 tarps that he will loan to cover the books. At 1 p.m. Michelle, Lucia, and Deborah will begin dotting books not sold that should be saved for the library book sale room. Bob will count and record the cash received and take it with him for deposit. A trailer borrowed from Oliver Schemm will be loaded with unwanted books, covered and held to go to recycling on Wednesday. David Whittall volunteered to perform this task since he has a truck with a trailer hitch.

Some books donated to the library are considered valuable, but often do not sell well at the event. Jennifer Karpin will be contacted and asked to sell them on behalf of the library. She had previously indicated that she would receive 40% of the selling price for this service. The board indicated that this was acceptable.

Other Items

Rob Hall is interested in strategic planning. Lucia will approach him to determine his interest in serving on the library board.

Deborah will write a thank you to the family of Lucy Daniels and ask whether the $175 cost for framing her law degree and Chautauqua certificate is acceptable.

The board adjourned at 7:35 p.m.

Respectfully submitted,

Deborah Toomey